Optimal’s Dr. Mark Turner Presents on AI and Economic Resilience at MEDA Annual Conference

Date: April 28, 2026

This year’s Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Conference’s theme is “The A-MAZING World of Economic Development: Navigating Complexity. Embracing Innovation. Driving Impact.”

There were four high-impact talks centered on turning barriers into breakthroughs. From resilience planning to ecosystem alignment, presenters showcased bold solutions that are helping communities navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. Optimal’s Dr. Mark Turner was selected to give a talk on using AI for Economic Resilience. Dr. Turner shared insights based on over 20 years of experience in small business economic development, business assistance, and small business entrepreneurship.  Recent releases of products such as AcquisitionAI, Economic Impact SaaS, and Optibot, combined with this expertise, Dr. Turner presented practical and cost-effective solutions to the audience.